Nurse Educator Post Master’s Certificate

Northern Michigan University's School of Nursing offers a post-master’s nurse educator certificate program to nurses who already possess a master’s degree in nursing.  This is a 12-credit certificate program aimed at nurses who already possess a master’s degree and who want to achieve an entry-level nurse educator position in an academic setting.  The courses are delivered using a mix of on-campus and online methods (hybrid or blended format), the majority being online. Students will be required to attend a two-day simulation workshop on campus. Teaching practicum hours may be completed in the student’s community with an approved faculty preceptor.

The program is funded by a State of Michigan Nursing Corps grant. Full tuition ($5,715) and a $25,000 stipend will be awarded to students with the understanding they will teach full-time for five years at a Michigan university or community college.

Graduates will receive a post master’s certificate as a nurse educator.

Nurse Educator Post Master’s Certificate Program Objectives

These graduate program objectives were developed from and reflect the mission and philosophy of the NMU School of Nursing. 

Standards of practice describe the responsibilities for which nurses in a particular role are accountable (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2004).  To prepare knowledgeable and competent nurse educators, NLN (2005) developed the following eight core competencies for nurse educators: 

Competency 1 - Facilitate learning
Competency 2 - Facilitate learner development and socialization
Competency 3 - Use assessment and evaluation strategies
Competency 4 - Participate in curriculum design and evaluation of  program outcomes
Competency 5 - Function as a change agent and leader
Competency 6 - Pursue continuous quality improvement in the nurse educator role
Competency 7 - Engage in scholarship
Competency 8 - Function within the educational environment

Course Objectives:  At the completion of this certificate program, the student will be able to:

• Analyze current issues and trends that impact curriculum development (Competency 8)
• Describe change strategies and leadership behaviors utilized by nurse educators (Competency 5 and 8)
• Assess for the key components (mission, philosophy, framework, purpose, and outcomes and competencies) of a curriculum (Competency 4)
• Analyze the faculty and student roles related to nursing education. (Competency 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7)
• Describe the legal and ethical issues associated with nursing education (Competency 6 and 8)
• Describe how socio-cultural factors influence teaching and learning (Competency 1, 2, 5 and 8)

Application Forms

• NMU Graduate Admission Application
• Post Master’s Nurse Educator Admission Application
• Recommendation Form
• Recommendation Cover Sheet